Our sister-in-law Michelle is heading up the Supper Club, so to speak. She would like to organize any and all volunteers to sign up to cook (or buy) dinner to take to Mike & Melisa's house. As you all know, Debbie & Tiger have been there taking care of Casey and we thought this would be a nice gesture to them as they are doing so much for M&M. Melisa is planning on coming home soon for a few days to be with Casey and Mikey will be home in 3 weeks recuperating. This will be especially nice for them in the coming weeks. I am sure the last thing they want to do is cook. Please contact Michelle to volunteer with this effort. We hope to get this going soon. Thanks!
Michelle Hope
stlhope@insightbb.com
270-724-0011
Thanks also Michelle for getting this going!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
For a good time call Ida Rubicin
Mike has 2 full days of chemo. under his belt and all is well. So far he hasn't had any of the negative side effects from the drugs, no nausea, vomiting, etc... He feels good and has a healthy appetite. For so long he felt terrible and with a hemoglobin of 5, I don't see how he was even able to get out of bed. Now that his blood count is where it should be and he is fully hydrated, he feels much better. He said yesterday that he feels better right now than he has felt in the past 6 months. We thank the Lord for this blessing. Please pray today that he continues to have the absolute best possible reaction to his chemotherapy.
Yesterday I came on back to Louisville. I figured after 3 days with my hellions, My Mike and Momma Sherry were going to send out the search party to haul me back. Much to my surprise, the world didn't fall apart, as my kids, husband, and my house were not only standing, but in better shape than I left it. Houston did wake up this morning though asking, "Where Shurrey go? Downstairs?" XXXOOO Momma Sherry. I am bummed however that I didn't get to see my good friends Jamie G. or the Hilleary's but I'll be back in a week or two...
Yesterday Mikey had more visitors too. Poppy, Mei-Mei, and Casey made the trip down South. Also, Scott, Chris, Brother Bret, and Garrett went down to see him too. Casey was very happy to see his Momma and Daddy and seemed to do well on the oncology unit. One of the nurses gave him a sticker and he was as content as could be in bed with his daddy. As you all know, the room is about the size of a Volkswagen and with 10 people in there, it can get a little tight. While Casey did awesome considering the circumstances, he is 4 years old and was behaving...well, like a 4 year old...with boundless energy. At one point Mike had to use the restroom and had to navigate his way through the crowd. While he was making his way to the restroom, he was also worried about the little monkey in the room. So Mike says, "Melisa, don't let Casey kill me in here; don't let him rip out my chemo. cord!" And with Casey that would be a slight possibility. Needless to say everything went fine. Last night Mom, Big Hope, Mei-Mei, Melisa & Casey all stayed at the condo. Moppy got Casey a surprise...a new Gordon engine from the Thomas the Tank series. He squealed out when he saw him and screamed, "Gordon!" He was so happy. I think they will continue to stay through the weekend. The rest of the guys just came up for the evening and went back to Henderson last night. Glad they made it home safe and sound.
I talked to the patient this morning and he sounds as good as ever. He was already up, had eaten his breakfast, and had done his breathing exercises. He said Dr. Stein popped his head in briefly. Apparently the treatment thus far is status quo and Stein was seemingly pleased with the mundane. Again, boring is good. Mike was quick to rush me off the phone saying, "Can I call you back? I've got to go walking." Meanwhile there I sat, praying the Starbucks I just ingested lift the fog from my head asap so I can make it to my little Landon Donovan's 9 AM soccer game in Lexington. Man Dude, you're my hero!
I know I sound like a broken record and today will be no exception but thank you, thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes that you have sent our way. I just wish there was another way to write that sentiment but I cannot stress how important that is to all of us, especially to Mikey. Because of each of you we KNOW we are not alone in this! Please pray continually that Mike's body is completely cured of this disease and that Mike & Melisa are given the Lord's comfort along the way. We feel your prayers.
Jesus Absolutely Saves!
Rach
P.S. - Idarubicin is the chemo. drug that Mikey will receive his last dose of today. We decided that it sounds like someone's great aunt and have gotten a such kick out of it's name. You can only imagine Mikey and the laughs we have had at poor Ida's expense...ya'll know what I'm talking about. Talk about the Lord working in mysterious ways...finding humor in cancer is a mysterious blessing indeed!
Yesterday I came on back to Louisville. I figured after 3 days with my hellions, My Mike and Momma Sherry were going to send out the search party to haul me back. Much to my surprise, the world didn't fall apart, as my kids, husband, and my house were not only standing, but in better shape than I left it. Houston did wake up this morning though asking, "Where Shurrey go? Downstairs?" XXXOOO Momma Sherry. I am bummed however that I didn't get to see my good friends Jamie G. or the Hilleary's but I'll be back in a week or two...
Yesterday Mikey had more visitors too. Poppy, Mei-Mei, and Casey made the trip down South. Also, Scott, Chris, Brother Bret, and Garrett went down to see him too. Casey was very happy to see his Momma and Daddy and seemed to do well on the oncology unit. One of the nurses gave him a sticker and he was as content as could be in bed with his daddy. As you all know, the room is about the size of a Volkswagen and with 10 people in there, it can get a little tight. While Casey did awesome considering the circumstances, he is 4 years old and was behaving...well, like a 4 year old...with boundless energy. At one point Mike had to use the restroom and had to navigate his way through the crowd. While he was making his way to the restroom, he was also worried about the little monkey in the room. So Mike says, "Melisa, don't let Casey kill me in here; don't let him rip out my chemo. cord!" And with Casey that would be a slight possibility. Needless to say everything went fine. Last night Mom, Big Hope, Mei-Mei, Melisa & Casey all stayed at the condo. Moppy got Casey a surprise...a new Gordon engine from the Thomas the Tank series. He squealed out when he saw him and screamed, "Gordon!" He was so happy. I think they will continue to stay through the weekend. The rest of the guys just came up for the evening and went back to Henderson last night. Glad they made it home safe and sound.
I talked to the patient this morning and he sounds as good as ever. He was already up, had eaten his breakfast, and had done his breathing exercises. He said Dr. Stein popped his head in briefly. Apparently the treatment thus far is status quo and Stein was seemingly pleased with the mundane. Again, boring is good. Mike was quick to rush me off the phone saying, "Can I call you back? I've got to go walking." Meanwhile there I sat, praying the Starbucks I just ingested lift the fog from my head asap so I can make it to my little Landon Donovan's 9 AM soccer game in Lexington. Man Dude, you're my hero!
I know I sound like a broken record and today will be no exception but thank you, thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes that you have sent our way. I just wish there was another way to write that sentiment but I cannot stress how important that is to all of us, especially to Mikey. Because of each of you we KNOW we are not alone in this! Please pray continually that Mike's body is completely cured of this disease and that Mike & Melisa are given the Lord's comfort along the way. We feel your prayers.
Jesus Absolutely Saves!
Rach
P.S. - Idarubicin is the chemo. drug that Mikey will receive his last dose of today. We decided that it sounds like someone's great aunt and have gotten a such kick out of it's name. You can only imagine Mikey and the laughs we have had at poor Ida's expense...ya'll know what I'm talking about. Talk about the Lord working in mysterious ways...finding humor in cancer is a mysterious blessing indeed!
Friday, September 7, 2007
Walking Along
Day One of Chemo under his belt and all is well. Mike will receive chemo for the next 6 days round the clock and both the doctors and nurses said basically he will be bored. As Dr. Stein said, "Boring is good." He could experience some nausea along the way but so far Mikey seems to be tolerating the medications well. Days 8 and beyond are when he will experience being sick, if he experiences that at all. As each and every body is different so are the reactions to this treatment. Please pray today that this chemo heals Mike's leukemia and that he is able to have the absolute best experience possible tolerating these harsh chemicals.
Mike, and well mainly Melisa, are both adjusting well to their new surroundings. The entire staff here is so very kind and caring. It takes a special type of individual to provide care to a person who must endure this illness and we are so very thankful that the Lord has moved these people to their calling in life. Bethany, Shelly, Leroy, and Dr. English - we love you guys! Mom, Melisa, and I were able to head around the corner last night and enjoy some of Nashville's finest pizza...the Mellow Mushroom. If you ever get a chance to eat there, I highly recommend it. The atmosphere is super-fun and the pizza is dyno-mite, JJ! A big glass of merlot sure didn't hurt the situation at all either. We brought the rest of the pizza back to Mikey. I was worried about him being nauseous but after he cleaned out the box, my worries were put to rest. He loved it and loved watching his Colts put the hurtin' to Bush & Co. Somewhere some fantasy team is racking up some serious points with #18 at the helm!
After he finished his pizza, Mikey announced that he wanted to go for a walk, which is highly encouraged by the staff here. After he looked at us for a while and saw no volunteers, reluctantly I said, "OK I'll go with you." Well if we made one lap around the joint we made 25...and it wasn't any run-of-the-mill leisurely stroll either. Mom went along for the jog and was cursing him as she is going to be forced into shape. :) I told him I was going to slap a #20 sticker on his back and to slow down, I needed to catch my breath! He said, "If I'm gonna walk, I'm gonna walk." And walk he did! While our bodies are created to move, it is so very important to put this to use. Getting his heart pumping and expanding his lungs will only aid in fighting this disease and he is so thankful that he is able to do so! Walk on Mikey!
While we were walking, Melisa stumbled onto the greatest thing since TiVo. In the conference room on the floor, a massage school here in town was offering free massages to both patients and their visitors. What a wonderful gesture!! Her massage therapist was cute as a button and was also so sweet. She said that her mother had breast cancer and she really likes to come up here and help out. She also told Melisa that once a week at the massage school they offer a free 60 minute full body massage. Melisa grabbed her business card before she was able to finish that sentence! Hopefully she will be able to use that service.
Well more prayers have been answered. Mikey is expected to be here at Vandy for 4 weeks and you all know our family...each and everyone of us want to be here the whole time! (He'll probably have to kick some of us out before this is all over!) We have been worried about the accommodations, running into obstacles at every turn. Mom and Hope own into a condo time share and there is a unit by the OpryMills Mall. When we called to make a reservation on Wednesday there was no availability. We explained our situation and prayed for the best. Yesterday someone from the condo. called and said they were able to not only get us into the unit but that we have it for the entire stay! They said they wanted to work with us in any way possible. Amen for that. Again the Lord has and will continue to provide us our every need. Mom and I were able to find a Super Wal-Mart and load up with the goods. While they will be down here, a gift card to Super Wal-Mart would be a nice help as well, so they can restock the cupboard up as needed.
Be thinking of Big Hope today. He has been having problems with his leg with cellulitis and it doesn't seem to want to heal. He is going to the doctor today and hopefully they can get him on the mend. Please be thinking of Mom today as she has so much on her plate. Please pray that the Lord wrap His arms around her and reassure her worries and calm her fears.
As you all know Casey has been back home staying with his MaMa Debbie. His little world has been disrupted by all of this as both his Mommy and Daddy aren't at home. Well Debbie was trying to get Casey ready for school yesterday. He's not crazy about his new school and with his different surroundings, he really didn't want to go. Yesterday she put his clothes on him and he took them off and put his pajamas back on. Then he hid his shoes and then he hid his backpack. I think she finally got him to school and ultimately he calmed down and had a good day. Please be thinking of him too; I know you are. Hopefully he will be able to come down soon and stay in the condo. They have an indoor swimming pool and just maybe Moppy got him a "Surprise!"
Mike, and well mainly Melisa, are both adjusting well to their new surroundings. The entire staff here is so very kind and caring. It takes a special type of individual to provide care to a person who must endure this illness and we are so very thankful that the Lord has moved these people to their calling in life. Bethany, Shelly, Leroy, and Dr. English - we love you guys! Mom, Melisa, and I were able to head around the corner last night and enjoy some of Nashville's finest pizza...the Mellow Mushroom. If you ever get a chance to eat there, I highly recommend it. The atmosphere is super-fun and the pizza is dyno-mite, JJ! A big glass of merlot sure didn't hurt the situation at all either. We brought the rest of the pizza back to Mikey. I was worried about him being nauseous but after he cleaned out the box, my worries were put to rest. He loved it and loved watching his Colts put the hurtin' to Bush & Co. Somewhere some fantasy team is racking up some serious points with #18 at the helm!
After he finished his pizza, Mikey announced that he wanted to go for a walk, which is highly encouraged by the staff here. After he looked at us for a while and saw no volunteers, reluctantly I said, "OK I'll go with you." Well if we made one lap around the joint we made 25...and it wasn't any run-of-the-mill leisurely stroll either. Mom went along for the jog and was cursing him as she is going to be forced into shape. :) I told him I was going to slap a #20 sticker on his back and to slow down, I needed to catch my breath! He said, "If I'm gonna walk, I'm gonna walk." And walk he did! While our bodies are created to move, it is so very important to put this to use. Getting his heart pumping and expanding his lungs will only aid in fighting this disease and he is so thankful that he is able to do so! Walk on Mikey!
While we were walking, Melisa stumbled onto the greatest thing since TiVo. In the conference room on the floor, a massage school here in town was offering free massages to both patients and their visitors. What a wonderful gesture!! Her massage therapist was cute as a button and was also so sweet. She said that her mother had breast cancer and she really likes to come up here and help out. She also told Melisa that once a week at the massage school they offer a free 60 minute full body massage. Melisa grabbed her business card before she was able to finish that sentence! Hopefully she will be able to use that service.
Well more prayers have been answered. Mikey is expected to be here at Vandy for 4 weeks and you all know our family...each and everyone of us want to be here the whole time! (He'll probably have to kick some of us out before this is all over!) We have been worried about the accommodations, running into obstacles at every turn. Mom and Hope own into a condo time share and there is a unit by the OpryMills Mall. When we called to make a reservation on Wednesday there was no availability. We explained our situation and prayed for the best. Yesterday someone from the condo. called and said they were able to not only get us into the unit but that we have it for the entire stay! They said they wanted to work with us in any way possible. Amen for that. Again the Lord has and will continue to provide us our every need. Mom and I were able to find a Super Wal-Mart and load up with the goods. While they will be down here, a gift card to Super Wal-Mart would be a nice help as well, so they can restock the cupboard up as needed.
Be thinking of Big Hope today. He has been having problems with his leg with cellulitis and it doesn't seem to want to heal. He is going to the doctor today and hopefully they can get him on the mend. Please be thinking of Mom today as she has so much on her plate. Please pray that the Lord wrap His arms around her and reassure her worries and calm her fears.
As you all know Casey has been back home staying with his MaMa Debbie. His little world has been disrupted by all of this as both his Mommy and Daddy aren't at home. Well Debbie was trying to get Casey ready for school yesterday. He's not crazy about his new school and with his different surroundings, he really didn't want to go. Yesterday she put his clothes on him and he took them off and put his pajamas back on. Then he hid his shoes and then he hid his backpack. I think she finally got him to school and ultimately he calmed down and had a good day. Please be thinking of him too; I know you are. Hopefully he will be able to come down soon and stay in the condo. They have an indoor swimming pool and just maybe Moppy got him a "Surprise!"
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Me Again...
A while ago Mike's nurse Bethany came in and told us that Mike will begin his chemotherapy soon. She kindly explained what he should expect and how he will feel. He listened intently and seems "ready to rumble". I wasn't sure of how he felt about beginning his treatment, especially when he asked me for a pen and paper. What was he going to write? Some thoughts, some words of encouragement to himself...I didn't know. He jotted something down quickly, handed me the paper and said, "Don't let me forget this." I was almost scared to read it, fearful that I might cry. When I looked at the paper I laughed out loud when I read "Tonight: Colts vs. Saints, Saturday: OK vs. Miami." So much for some profound memoir! I am so glad that some things never change!! Go Colts!! Here's to Peyton having a whole bunch of TDs tonight!
Also, Melisa is in Mike's bed currently watching TV, specifically General Hospital. Mikey is reading the USA Today, seemingly not paying attention. One scene was over-the-top drama and Mike says, "My God Melisa, you're gonna have to turn that shit off! It's causing my leukemia to flare up!" I thought Mom and I were gonna fall in the floor. Well guess who's still in the bed? And guess who's watching General Hospital? Again, so glad that some things never change! Go Sonny Corinthos!! (Sara, It's 3:00 somewhere!)
I have added M&M's contact information here at Vandy on the right hand side of the blog under 'Contact M&M at Vandy'. While no fresh flowers are allowed on the floor, cards are more than welcome.
More to come...
Rachel
Also, Melisa is in Mike's bed currently watching TV, specifically General Hospital. Mikey is reading the USA Today, seemingly not paying attention. One scene was over-the-top drama and Mike says, "My God Melisa, you're gonna have to turn that shit off! It's causing my leukemia to flare up!" I thought Mom and I were gonna fall in the floor. Well guess who's still in the bed? And guess who's watching General Hospital? Again, so glad that some things never change! Go Sonny Corinthos!! (Sara, It's 3:00 somewhere!)I have added M&M's contact information here at Vandy on the right hand side of the blog under 'Contact M&M at Vandy'. While no fresh flowers are allowed on the floor, cards are more than welcome.
More to come...
Rachel
A Room With a View
Well, we made it safely down to Vandy. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers during the move. Mike was transported from St. Mary's and Mom and Melisa were ambulance chasers, following him turn by turn. I decided to come on down and join the festivities too. Thanks to Momma Sherry for staying at my house and taking care of my 2 wildcats while My Mike works today.
Nashville, and Vanderbilt in particular, is massive. We are still trying to navigate the city and the medical campus. Thankfully we have found everything we have needed thus far. Upon entering the room, I wish you could have seen the look on Melisa's face! The room is, well, sub par to say the least. We were used to the large rooms, beautiful hardwood floors and flat screen TVs at St. Mary's. Here...not so much. Mom equated the room to that of an airplane while Melisa says she feels like she walked on the set of "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." HA! HA! For us girly girls, the room is harder on us than it is on Mikey. It doesn't bother him in the least. He says, "It's a Man's room!"...totally functional with zero frills. I can hear my brother-in-law, Chris's voice saying, "Just get 'er done!", which is really why we are here. I will say the view is incredible. He is on the 11th floor and has a penthouse view of downtown Nashville, which has a beautiful skyline. I guess we will sacrifice some homey comforts in order for him to receive very best care. We are reminded over and over that we have come to the right place.
We were able to speak with his oncologist, Dr. Stein this morning. From the time we got here until this morning, each person who came into the room felt the need to preface Dr. Stein. Again and again we were told, "He's short on niceties but he's the best" or "He's a fantastic doctor but he's not real sweet." We were a little unsure of this meeting this morning but after meeting him I think we are all in concurrence that we LOVE him. I guess everyone has different personalities and respond differently to others but Mike's nature and Stein's nature seem to gel pretty well, which is a definite blessing. We also like our resident on the floor, Dr. English. He is young and is pretty cool.
Dr. Stein went over Mikey's treatment plan with us. He will begin chemotherapy today. For the next 7 straight days he will receive a certain type of chemo. drug via IV bag drip. Also for today, tomorrow, and Saturday he will receive a different chemo. drug. It will also be administered via IV but it requires a nurse to physically insert it in his IV. The the following week he will be able to rest while his body is hard at work replacing its cells. In two weeks from now, he will have another bone marrow biopsy, which hopefully will show "clear cells". Dr. Stein said he fully expects it to be clear. Then either the 3rd or 4th week he will be able to go home for a while. Should it not be clear, he will take another round of the 7 & 3 chemo. I wish I could provide more specifics on his treatment but a lot of the verbiage was over my head. I kept wishing that my personal "resident medical advisor", my sister-in-law Julie, were here to take in all of the medical terminology. She would know what all of that means!
Some of you have asked about going ahead and sending some food cards down to M&M. Over on the right hand side of the blog I have posted some restaurants that are both in the hospital as well as walking distance from the medical campus. I think that's a great idea and would be beneficial to them. Please just send them to our P.O. box listed on the side as well.
I want to say thank you again for all of your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. They mean everything to us! One terrific story is our super-sweet Aunt Beanie has been undoubtedly been hard at work, relentlessly praying for Mikey. (Thanks Auntie Bean Baby!) She received her sign yesterday, a feather, and was very moved by the experience! We are so very thankful to hear these stories as they are even further reminders that our Lord is totally in this.
If you will, and are comfortable doing so, please pray today. Please pray that each and every person who comes into contact with Mike is guided by the Lord. Please pray that they are able to use the knowledge they are given to provide the absolute best care for Mike. Please pray for Mike and that his body is healed by this 1st round of chemotherapy and that he is able to return to function. Please ask that the Lord continue to lift up M&M's spirits and provide the comfort that only He can.
Thanks for everything everyone! More to come...
Rach
Nashville, and Vanderbilt in particular, is massive. We are still trying to navigate the city and the medical campus. Thankfully we have found everything we have needed thus far. Upon entering the room, I wish you could have seen the look on Melisa's face! The room is, well, sub par to say the least. We were used to the large rooms, beautiful hardwood floors and flat screen TVs at St. Mary's. Here...not so much. Mom equated the room to that of an airplane while Melisa says she feels like she walked on the set of "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." HA! HA! For us girly girls, the room is harder on us than it is on Mikey. It doesn't bother him in the least. He says, "It's a Man's room!"...totally functional with zero frills. I can hear my brother-in-law, Chris's voice saying, "Just get 'er done!", which is really why we are here. I will say the view is incredible. He is on the 11th floor and has a penthouse view of downtown Nashville, which has a beautiful skyline. I guess we will sacrifice some homey comforts in order for him to receive very best care. We are reminded over and over that we have come to the right place.
We were able to speak with his oncologist, Dr. Stein this morning. From the time we got here until this morning, each person who came into the room felt the need to preface Dr. Stein. Again and again we were told, "He's short on niceties but he's the best" or "He's a fantastic doctor but he's not real sweet." We were a little unsure of this meeting this morning but after meeting him I think we are all in concurrence that we LOVE him. I guess everyone has different personalities and respond differently to others but Mike's nature and Stein's nature seem to gel pretty well, which is a definite blessing. We also like our resident on the floor, Dr. English. He is young and is pretty cool.
Dr. Stein went over Mikey's treatment plan with us. He will begin chemotherapy today. For the next 7 straight days he will receive a certain type of chemo. drug via IV bag drip. Also for today, tomorrow, and Saturday he will receive a different chemo. drug. It will also be administered via IV but it requires a nurse to physically insert it in his IV. The the following week he will be able to rest while his body is hard at work replacing its cells. In two weeks from now, he will have another bone marrow biopsy, which hopefully will show "clear cells". Dr. Stein said he fully expects it to be clear. Then either the 3rd or 4th week he will be able to go home for a while. Should it not be clear, he will take another round of the 7 & 3 chemo. I wish I could provide more specifics on his treatment but a lot of the verbiage was over my head. I kept wishing that my personal "resident medical advisor", my sister-in-law Julie, were here to take in all of the medical terminology. She would know what all of that means!
Some of you have asked about going ahead and sending some food cards down to M&M. Over on the right hand side of the blog I have posted some restaurants that are both in the hospital as well as walking distance from the medical campus. I think that's a great idea and would be beneficial to them. Please just send them to our P.O. box listed on the side as well.
I want to say thank you again for all of your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. They mean everything to us! One terrific story is our super-sweet Aunt Beanie has been undoubtedly been hard at work, relentlessly praying for Mikey. (Thanks Auntie Bean Baby!) She received her sign yesterday, a feather, and was very moved by the experience! We are so very thankful to hear these stories as they are even further reminders that our Lord is totally in this.
If you will, and are comfortable doing so, please pray today. Please pray that each and every person who comes into contact with Mike is guided by the Lord. Please pray that they are able to use the knowledge they are given to provide the absolute best care for Mike. Please pray for Mike and that his body is healed by this 1st round of chemotherapy and that he is able to return to function. Please ask that the Lord continue to lift up M&M's spirits and provide the comfort that only He can.
Thanks for everything everyone! More to come...
Rach
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
NashVegas Here We Come!
Big thanks to everyone for their kind emails, posts, calls, and visits to see Mikey yesterday. We received TONS of well wishes and each and every one means so much. Keep them coming!
Today we will proceed to move Mike to Vanderbilt to begin his treatment. I fully expect him to be down there sometime today, probably late afternoon/early evening. My mom and Melisa are going down with him today as well. Also, we are looking into different accommodations for the family, specifically Melisa, to stay during this treatment. Big shout-out to Jodie for getting the ball rolling on this one. :) There are several not-for-profit accommodations that are fantastic and are of little or no money to the family. These places provide meals, transportation to and from the cancer center, and laundry services. How awesome is that??!! We are so thankful that there are facilities such as this. It is a first come, first served deal and as of yesterday they had no availability. Boo! But, the gentleman that I spoke with was very nice and said openings come about everyday and just to check frequently. So we will do that. Please pray today for Mike's safe and comfortable transport as well as the accommodations for the family. Also, please pray that Mom and Melisa don't get lost! Without Poppy, I hope Mom can make it! HA! HA!
At this time, please be thinking of Debbie, Melisa's mom, as she is staying behind taking care of Casey. Debbie has been wonderful through all of this and has been a huge comfort source for not only Melisa but the rest of us as well as she is taking the best care of Casey. Bless her. What would we do without family??!!
One common thread that has come of this experience thus far is that SO MANY of you know someone whose life has been affected by cancer, and more surprisingly, leukemia. So many of you have contacted us and said, "My friend had leukemia and is a 12 year survivor..." or "My friend currently has leukemia and is down at Vanderbilt right now receiving treatment..." Thank you, thank you for these stories. I can't begin to tell you how much this means to all of us. In no way are these just mere coincidences and it is just another way to bring this situation to light. In the great book of John Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will NEVER walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." My first instinct is to keep this situation "hush hush" as sort of an out of sight, out of mind thing...if I'm not dealing with it directly, it will go away. However, when we place our faith in the Lord and have the confidence to share our experiences, we gain that comfort and strength from one another. It is a very empowering feeling. Therefore, we will not be ashamed, afraid, or hide in the darkness with this illness. Instead, we will keep looking to Jesus and vigilantly seek His light.
That said, another "helping" thought I had was to ask each of you, if you are comfortable doing so, to contact these friends and family members who have experienced this type of ordeal and have them email either Mike and Melisa or myself. Any advice, words of encouragement, etc... would go a long way with helping boost all of our spirits. Again, just a suggestion.
Once Mike is all settled down there, I'll pass along his contact information. Thanks for the prayers!
Jesus Saves!
Rachel
Today we will proceed to move Mike to Vanderbilt to begin his treatment. I fully expect him to be down there sometime today, probably late afternoon/early evening. My mom and Melisa are going down with him today as well. Also, we are looking into different accommodations for the family, specifically Melisa, to stay during this treatment. Big shout-out to Jodie for getting the ball rolling on this one. :) There are several not-for-profit accommodations that are fantastic and are of little or no money to the family. These places provide meals, transportation to and from the cancer center, and laundry services. How awesome is that??!! We are so thankful that there are facilities such as this. It is a first come, first served deal and as of yesterday they had no availability. Boo! But, the gentleman that I spoke with was very nice and said openings come about everyday and just to check frequently. So we will do that. Please pray today for Mike's safe and comfortable transport as well as the accommodations for the family. Also, please pray that Mom and Melisa don't get lost! Without Poppy, I hope Mom can make it! HA! HA!
At this time, please be thinking of Debbie, Melisa's mom, as she is staying behind taking care of Casey. Debbie has been wonderful through all of this and has been a huge comfort source for not only Melisa but the rest of us as well as she is taking the best care of Casey. Bless her. What would we do without family??!!
One common thread that has come of this experience thus far is that SO MANY of you know someone whose life has been affected by cancer, and more surprisingly, leukemia. So many of you have contacted us and said, "My friend had leukemia and is a 12 year survivor..." or "My friend currently has leukemia and is down at Vanderbilt right now receiving treatment..." Thank you, thank you for these stories. I can't begin to tell you how much this means to all of us. In no way are these just mere coincidences and it is just another way to bring this situation to light. In the great book of John Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will NEVER walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." My first instinct is to keep this situation "hush hush" as sort of an out of sight, out of mind thing...if I'm not dealing with it directly, it will go away. However, when we place our faith in the Lord and have the confidence to share our experiences, we gain that comfort and strength from one another. It is a very empowering feeling. Therefore, we will not be ashamed, afraid, or hide in the darkness with this illness. Instead, we will keep looking to Jesus and vigilantly seek His light.
That said, another "helping" thought I had was to ask each of you, if you are comfortable doing so, to contact these friends and family members who have experienced this type of ordeal and have them email either Mike and Melisa or myself. Any advice, words of encouragement, etc... would go a long way with helping boost all of our spirits. Again, just a suggestion.
Once Mike is all settled down there, I'll pass along his contact information. Thanks for the prayers!
Jesus Saves!
Rachel
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